Refrigerators Indesit are deservedly popular due to their reliability, but even time-tested equipment has breakdowns. One of the most common causes of compressor failure or incorrect operation is the failure of the start relay. This small component is responsible for supplying voltage to the motor windings at the time of start-up, and without it, full cooling is impossible.
If you notice that your refrigerator stops freezing, and the motor is either completely silent, or makes clicks and buzzes for just a couple of seconds before stopping, the problem most likely lies in this unit. Replacing a part independently is within the capabilities of a home craftsman who has a minimum set of tools and basic knowledge of electrical engineering.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to save on calling a technician. It is important to understand that working with electrical appliances requires strict adherence to safety precautions, therefore, before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to turn off the power to the unit.
Diagnostics of a malfunction of the starting device
Before going to the store for spare parts, you need to make sure that the problem lies precisely in the starting relay. The primary sign of a problem is a characteristic sound: you may hear a loud click, followed by a hum from the compressor that lasts a few seconds, followed by another click and silence. This indicates that electric motor is trying to start, but is not receiving the desired impulse.
Visual inspection can also provide a lot of information. If traces of soot, melting or deformation are visible on the surface of the plastic relay housing, then the part definitely requires replacement. Often inside the case you can notice black carbon deposits on the contacts, which indicates overheating and breakdown.
⚠️ Attention: If, after removing the relay, you find that the rod or contacts inside are very blackened, this may indicate not only a breakdown of the relay itself, but also problems with the compressor windings. In this case, a simple replacement may not solve the problem.
For more accurate diagnostics, you can use a multimeter. By ringing the contacts, you must make sure that there is no short circuit or open circuit where there should not be one. However, given the low cost of the part, it is often easier and faster to simply replace it with a known good one in order to check the operation of the system.
Necessary tools and safety measures
Replacing the start relay is a procedure that does not require sophisticated equipment, but ignoring safety rules can lead to electric shock or equipment damage. The first and most important step is to completely disconnect the refrigerator Indesit from the power supply. It is not enough to simply turn it off with a button; you need to unplug the cord from the socket.
To carry out the work you will need a minimum set of tools. The main tool will be a screwdriver, preferably a Phillips screwdriver, since most fasteners in household appliances have just such a slot. You may also need pliers to remove clamps or clamps.
- 🔧 Phillips or flathead screwdriver (depending on the screw model).
- 🧤 Dielectric gloves (for additional protection when working with electrical equipment).
- 🔦 Flashlight (for better illumination of the rear unit).
- 📸 Smartphone (to photograph the wiring diagram before removal).
It is better to carry out work in good lighting. If you plan to move the refrigerator, make sure the floor is dry and clean to avoid slipping. Make sure that there are no foreign objects in the access area to the rear wall.
Access to the compressor and removal of the casing
In refrigerators Indesit the compressor is usually located in the lower rear part of the housing. To access it, most models require removing a protective cardboard or metal panel. It is attached with latches or screws around the perimeter.
After removing the panel, you will see a view of the motor-compressor - a black “eggplant” with copper tubes and electrical wires matching it. The start relay is placed directly on the compressor output contacts on the side or bottom.
⚠️ Attention: The copper tubes of the refrigeration circuit are very thin and fragile. Do not bend them sharply or apply force to them, as this may lead to depressurization of the system and leakage of freon.
Before touching the electrical part, visually check again for the absence of condensation or moisture on the floor under the refrigerator. If everything is dry, you can begin to dismantle the protective casing of the relay itself, if any, or disconnect the block.
Removing the old starting relay
The process of removing the part is quite simple, but requires care. The start relay fits onto three contact pins coming out of the compressor. In some models, it is additionally fixed with a metal bracket or a plastic clip, which needs to be bent.
Take the relay by the body and slightly rock it from side to side, while pulling it towards you. Do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the contacts or breaking off the plastic fasteners. If the relay has become stuck over time, you can carefully help yourself with pliers, grabbing only the metal frame, but not the plastic itself.
After removing the relay from the compressor contacts, you need to disconnect the electrical connector with wires that goes with it. Usually this is a standard chip that can be removed by hand. If the wires go directly into the relay body, they will have to be carefully bitten off, but in 99% of cases a detachable connection is used.
☑️ Removal procedure
Installing a new relay and connection diagram
When purchasing a new part, make sure that the marking matches your model Indesit. The starting relay parameters (compressor power, type) must strictly correspond to the original. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal.
First, connect the electrical connector to the new relay. Make sure it clicks into place and the contacts are pressed tightly. Then slide the relay onto the compressor pins. It is important to maintain the correct orientation here: on the relay body there is often an arrow with the inscription UP or TOP, which should look straight up.
Incorrect installation of the relay (upside down) will lead to its instant failure or incorrect operation, since there may be a posistor or mechanical mechanism inside that depends on gravity. After installation, securely fix the part with a bracket or clamp, if provided for by the design.
| Parameter | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation | Arrow UP should face up | Critical |
| Fixation | Presence of metal bracket | High |
| Contact | Tight fit to the pins | Critical |
| Connector | Reliable connection of wires | High |
If you are in doubt about the correct connection of the wires, check the photo taken before disassembly, or find an electrical diagram for for your specific refrigerator model in the instructions.
What is a posistor in a relay?
Modern starting relays often use a posistor - a thermistor, which when heated increases its resistance, opening the starting circuit. This is a more reliable alternative to the old thermal relays.
Checking operation and first start-up
After installing all the elements in place, do not rush to immediately remove the refrigerator to a permanent place. First you need to do a test run. Plug in the cord and listen.
Normal operation is characterized by a confident start of the compressor 1-3 seconds after switching on. The motor should run smoothly, without humming, vibration or extraneous clicks. After some time (10-15 minutes), the condenser tubes on the back wall should begin to heat up, which indicates the start of refrigerant circulation.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the compressor hums again and turns off after a few seconds, immediately turn off the refrigerator. Repeated starting attempts may burn out the motor windings, making repairs much more expensive.
Allow the refrigerator to idle for about an hour before loading food into it. This will allow the system to reach operating temperature conditions and ensure the stability of the operation of the new starting device.
Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting
Even if you carefully follow the instructions, nuances may arise that are not described in standard manuals. Users are often concerned about the compatibility of parts from different manufacturers or the behavior of equipment during the transition period.
It is worth remembering that starting relays can be interchangeable between different models of compressors if the mounting dimensions and electrical parameters are the same. However, it is best to use original spare parts Indesit or proven analogues from well-known brands.
Is it possible to use a relay from another refrigerator?
Using a relay from another model is only possible if the electrical characteristics (starting current, voltage) and geometric dimensions of the seat are completely identical. There are no universal solutions here, and experiments can lead to breakdown of the compressor.
Why did the new relay burn out immediately after installation?
This can happen for several reasons: incorrect orientation of the relay (the arrow is not up), a short circuit in the wiring, or, most often, a malfunction of the compressor itself (interturn short circuit windings), which creates an excessive load on the starting circuit.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before replacing?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly and carefully. However, if there is a lot of ice in the chamber, it is better to defrost the unit in advance so that water does not flow onto the electrical contacts or the floor when tilting the refrigerator to access the back wall.
How long does the starting relay last?
The average service life of the starting relay is 5-7 years of active operation, but it greatly depends on the stability of the voltage in the network and the frequency of switching on compressor. Voltage surges are the main enemy of this part.
Is it dangerous to change the relay yourself?
The replacement procedure is not associated with breaking the tightness of the refrigeration circuit and working with high pressure, so it is not dangerous in terms of freon release. The main risk is electric shock, which is eliminated when the appliance is disconnected from the network.